Wow.
Thanks for all the replies, guys.
Here is a summary of what I think you are all saying (and some of my thoughts about what has been said):
[b:5400e6a610]1- If he is your friend, support him for the sake of the friendship.[/b:5400e6a610]
This is the number one reason why I [i:5400e6a610]would[/i:5400e6a610] support him. He is a friend, and I know he has good intensions; however, I also know the local Intervarsity people (I went to Intervarsity at Sacramento State while I was going to school there). I 100% disagree with their "evangelism" methods (such as encouraging girls to go to frat parties so that they can engage unbelievers "where they are"

. I fear what will be done to the name of Christ on behalf of the group going to China.
[b:5400e6a610]2- If it's a parachurch mission trip, be wary[/b:5400e6a610]
I couldn't agree more. I understand the proper way to send missionaries is through the church. In my mind, these "mission trips" are some where between vacations and pilgrimages. I really don't know what the results will be.
[b:5400e6a610]3- Find out what their goal in China is. Is it humanitarian or is it to preach the Gospel[/b:5400e6a610]
From what I know about previous mission trips with Intervarsity, it will be a "mix". The idea is to do good works in order to be able to share the Gospel. Not a horrible method, but I know that only one of the people going actually speaks Chinese (I could be wrong, there maybe two or three at the most out of about 15-20 people going). How can you preach, if you don't speak the language? Really.
[b:5400e6a610]4- Prioritize your missionary budget[/b:5400e6a610]
Fred, I wish I had $1000 laying around to give to missionaries. I know of a native Reformed church in the Congo that could use $1000 very badly. I also know that if I were to give to my friend, I would feel very guilty for not giving more to other missionaries. Perhaps my friend coming over for dinner is God's way of lovingly reminding me that I need to give more to the church in the Congo.
Here is the last thing: When I told my wife that I thought our friend might ask for financial support, she was very adamant about [b:5400e6a610]not[/b:5400e6a610] supporting an Intervarsity mission trip. That pretty much seals the deal for me. She understands that Intervarsity uses horrible evangelistic methods and that they will not be spreading a true gospel (but rather a wishy-washy arminian watered down "gospel", if you can still call it that).
And then Paul has to go and quote Jesus: "one of the least of these you have done for me." And now I just don't know any more. Gee, thanks.
